I used to lose like 20 minutes a day just looking for M6 bolts. I mean, I always thought labeling was for huge shops, not my garage. But grabbing a paint marker for the common sizes was a total game changer, idk why I waited so long.
The paint marker idea is legit, lol. I did the same with my drill bits. Just a dab of color on the collar saves me from digging through the case every time.
Ever stare into a tub of random screws and feel a deep sense of regret? I told myself organizing was for people with too much free time. Then I lost a solid hour searching for quarter-inch lock washers in a giant coffee can. Now my nail bins have little painted lines on the lids for finish versus framing. That hour of my life is gone, but at least now I know where the washers are.
Totally get the bolt struggle! I went nuts trying to sort my old coffee can of random hardware. Finally bought a cheap plastic parts cabinet with all the little drawers. Spent one rainy Saturday sorting every nut, bolt, and washer by size and type. Now I can find an M8 washer in like ten seconds flat. That one boring afternoon saved me so much future frustration.